Espys 2026: How to watch, host and top nominees tonight
The Espys 2026 air live Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC from Lincoln Center in New York, with “SNL” star Marcello Hernández hosting. Stream live on the ESPN App, then catch it the next day on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App and ABC Video on Demand.
Key Takeaways
- The Espys 2026 tip off at 8 p.m. ET live on ABC from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
- Marcello Hernández hosts for the first time; a red-carpet show begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN’s YouTube, Facebook and the ESPN App.
- Top nominees include Jalen Brunson, Shohei Ohtani, A’ja Wilson, Lionel Messi and Mikaela Shiffrin.
- Stephen Curry received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award ahead of the ceremony.
When are the Espys 2026 and how can you watch?
The show airs Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT. Per ABC News, the ceremony broadcasts live on ABC and streams on the ESPN App, with next-day availability on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App and ABC Video on Demand.
USA Today reports the red carpet airs at 7 p.m. ET, hosted by Samantha Rivera, Harry Lyles Jr., Monica McNutt and Kimberley Martin, live on ESPN’s YouTube and Facebook pages and the ESPN App.
Who is hosting the Espys 2026?
Comedian and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Marcello Hernández hosts for the first time. The Cuban American comic called the New York hosting gig “an honor,” recalling his early days selling comedy tickets in Greenwich Village.
Presenters announced for the night include Simone Biles, Kevin Hart, Robin Roberts, Jayson Tatum, Lindsey Vonn, Mike Tyson and Billie Jean King. For more celebrity breaking news, follow BlasterPost’s celebrity desk.
Who’s nominated at the Espys 2026?
ABC News lists standout nominees such as Jalen Brunson, Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Matthew Stafford, Rory McIlroy, Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, Mikaela Shiffrin, Victor Wembanyama and A’ja Wilson.
Brunson, NBA Finals MVP after leading the New York Knicks to their first title since 1973, is up for best athlete — men’s sports, best championship performance and best NBA player. The Knicks are also among best team nominees alongside the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Dodgers, Indiana Hoosiers, Carolina Hurricanes, Texas Longhorns, Seattle Seahawks and Team USA men’s and women’s hockey.
Ohtani is nominated in three categories, including best MLB player after winning that ESPY five years running. Wilson and Shiffrin both seek a second win in best athlete — women’s sports. First-time nominees include Bam Adebayo, Lauren Betts, Macklin Celebrini, Hannah Hidalgo, Drake Maye, Fernando Mendoza and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Bleacher Report notes performances by the Savannah Bananas, De La Soul, Slick Rick and Ghostface Killah are also part of the night’s entertainment slate.